AN INVESTMENT OF $24.55 MILLION IN KEY INFRASTRUCTURE AT BISHOP’S UNIVERSITY
 

AN INVESTMENT OF $24.55 MILLION IN KEY INFRASTRUCTURE AT BISHOP’S UNIVERSITY

John Bassett Memorial Library and science laboratories will be renovated

Sherbrooke, January 27, 2017 – Today, Michael Goldbloom, C.M., Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Bishop’s University, announced that a total investment of $24.55 million will be made to renovate the John Bassett Memorial Library and several laboratories in the Andrew S. Johnson building.

The cost for the Learning Commons project totals $17 million, while the renovations in the Johnson building will cost $7.5 million.

To carry out these projects, Bishop’s University received grants from the federal and provincial governments under the Major Infrastructure Component of the Building Canada Fund. Both projects are expected to be finished in September 2018.

Learning Commons

With the renovations inside the library already underway, Bishop’s will be able to carry out its vision for a Learning Commons thanks to this investment from the federal and provincial governments. Built in 1959, the library was designed to accommodate 1,500 students.  Bishop’s enrollment has grown to over 2,400 students and Champlain Regional College, which uses the library, has 1,100 students. The Learning Commons will support a student-centred approach that emphasizes active and collaborative engagement, and encourages the co-creation of knowledge by all students. It will increase opportunities for students to deepen their understanding of critical issues, learn new skills, enjoy collaboration with others, and make new connections.

“These infrastructure investments will dramatically impact the student experience and campus life at our University for decades to come. We will be able to carry out these projects thanks to the support of the federal and provincial governments, as well as the financial contributions of our students, faculty, staff, alumni and partners,” said Mr. Goldbloom.

Mr. Goldbloom noted that the University has raised $3.8 million toward its goal of $4.5 million thanks to the overwhelming support it has received from its alumni and donor community, including Bishop’s University students who pledged $1 million in support of the project.

“This project will give Bishop’s University the opportunity to offer its students a thoroughly modern place to meet, exchange and learn,” said Mr. Eric Pelletier, architect, partner and chief creative officer at Lemay, an award-winning firm. “We are delighted to be partnering with Bishop’s on this ambitious project.”

Andrew S. Johnson Science Building

Several spaces inside the Johnson building will be renovated, including teaching labs in chemistry and biology, several research labs, and the greenhouse.  The building will also get a new roof.

“Providing students with exceptional practical learning experiences is a strength of our science programs,” explained Dr. Kerry Hull, Project Director and Professor in the Biology Department. “The renovated teaching and research spaces will allow our faculty, graduate students, and undergraduate students learn and generate knowledge in areas as varied as brewing science and insect biodiversity.”

John Bassett Memorial Library and science laboratories will be renovated

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Information: Chantal Sneath
Communications Officer
Bishop’s University
csneath@ubishops.ca
819-822-9600, ext. 2840